Era of the Moon, page 32
Her eyes flicked next to the place she had first been wrapped in Sebastian’s arms. He had wanted to kill her then, drag his knife across her neck in an aim to win the Trial – but that was before the mating bond snapped into place. Nothing could ever be the same after that. Even when they tried to fight it – they knew life as they had known it would be different from then on out.
Despite the horrors that had happened in that Garden Cerilla found herself smiling – because all the horrors had brought her Sebastian. Her mate. Cerilla sighed. She doubted she would ever tire of thinking about him – the powerful warrior who was so gentle with her. Now even looking back to before they were mated she could appreciate the things she once found insufferable about him. His drive to win had annoyed her, but now she could see how much he cared for his nation. His aggression had been off-putting, but it showed how deeply he could feel emotions.
Thinking of him brought both joy and sorrow to her mind. She hadn’t seen him in what felt like an eternity, and the few messages he had passed to her had only encouraged her to distance herself from him at the Denouement. He knew Callahan would be out for blood once he found out Sebastian was alive, and he wanted Cerilla nowhere near it. Sebastian had even encouraged her to pretend to be shocked when she saw he was alive, but he didn’t tell her the true reason he asked this of her. He didn’t want Callahan to be angry with Cerilla for the deception if Sebastian were to die. Even in his possible demise he wanted to protect her from harm as best he could.
Cool grass kissed Cerilla’s knees as she knelt down and began filling her canteens with holy water. Love filled the air around the goddess’ Pool, practically forcing pleasant thoughts of Sebastian to play on a loop in her mind, so much so that Cerilla found herself smiling and humming as she worked – so distracted that she didn’t see the glowing orb above her that was slowly materializing into a humanoid form.
“Sounds like the hums of love.” The goddess spoke. Cerilla dropped her canteen, one hand flying instantly to the dagger at her hip.
Only when she saw the gossamer, celestial form of the goddess before her did she take a steadying breath and release the hilt from her hand.
“Goddess.” Cerilla bowed. “I didn’t expect your presence here.” The deities hardly ever presented themselves, and yet Cerilla had seen the face of the Moon goddess multiple times in the course of a few months. It couldn’t help but make her remember how the goddess spoke of choosing Cerilla – which sent another chill down her spine.
The goddess giggled, a foreign sound coming from such an omnipotent being. “My actions have been known to surprise many in my millennias of existence.”
“You bless me with your presence.” Cerilla said, eyes still cast down. “I’m sure you know this already, but I am here to retrieve blessed water for any healing I may have to do tomorrow.” The goddess nodded, her gauzy form floating in the air just above the rippling water beneath her. Cerilla began filling her canteens once more, desperate for a distraction – uncomfortable in the presence of the goddess.
“Forgive my visit, but I find myself interested in my acolytes now that things will soon change.” Her face was pensive, sad almost. Cerilla assumed the change she was referring to was the mating bond between two beings from different nations.
So Cerilla took this as her opportunity to ask. “Why pair me with the Sun Prince if you grieve this change?”
The goddess ignored her question and asked one of her own. “Are you unhappy with your mate? For the activities I bore witness to in the cave tell me otherwise.”
Cerilla’s face heated with embarrassment as she thought about her first joining with Sebastian – which took place not long after the goddess came to her in the cave pool. “No!” The threat of him being taken from her flashing in her mind. “We are happy, though I suspect things will grow more difficult once we leave the Isle.” The goddess nodded in affirmation of this fear. “I just don’t understand why.”
“Your world needs unity. More so than you can even understand. There is much beyond the Fog of the Triad Islands Realm, and even more outside your universe. Your bond with the Sun Prince will begin the process of unifying and cleansing this land.”
“The Trial cleanses the land.” Cerilla responded, but she was met by another laugh from the goddess – this one less joyful.
“There is much you don’t yet know.”
“I see.” The cryptic nature of the deities was beginning to grow very frustrating to Cerilla. “If the lands need to be unified then why can’t the deities do it?”
“Many reasons, my child. The main one being that my siblings and I don’t always see eye to eye these days. The Earth goddess likes control and the Sun god has grown lazy. And, also, the time is coming near that I must leave.”
Cerilla froze, halting her water gathering to process the goddess’ words. “Leave? To go where?”
“A young land, devoid of nearly all magic and more helpless than yours. My eldest brother betrayed it long ago, and in my hubris I fled it and sought to claim a land for my own. But after millennias I now know what is right and what I must do. I may pay for my crimes against my nature, but I will not deny my Master again. Without the aid of all my siblings that world could cease to exist and my eldest brother in all his evil predilections will reign. He could even leach into your world one day if he’s not stopped.”
“You have other siblings?” Cerilla asked, mind reeling at the thought of more deities existing somewhere in the world and her people not knowing about it. The goddess nodded in confirmation. “There is life beyond the Fog?” Another nod, but no further information was spoken. “And you have a master?” A slight tremble engulfed her hands as age old facts crumbled before her.
“Most beings do.”
“Not gods!” Cerilla retorted.
“Child, the term god is quite easily manipulated.” The nameless goddess said with a smile.
“If you’re not a god then what are you? Do you have a name?” Cerilla demanded.
“My celestial form knows no name, but the mortals of that land I speak of once called me Selene.”
“Your name is beautiful.” Cerilla cast her gaze upwards, allowing herself to look upon the face of her goddess without fear.
“As is yours, my child.” Selene watched as Cerilla’s face fell. “What is wrong?”
“I’m scared for tomorrow, just as I’m frightened of what you are telling me now.” Her lip trembled as she admitted this for the first time. “And I’m tired. Very tired.”
“The Trial will be over soon.” Selene reassured her.
Glistening tears welled in Cerilla’s eyes. “But then begins new challenges, such as telling everyone of Sterling’s death and of my mating bond with Sebastian. And then comes deciding where I go after I leave here.” Words were spilling from her lips faster than she could even process. Selene placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, the celestial touch like a butterfly landing on her, stopping Cerilla’s rambling abruptly.
“All will be well if you stay with your mate.”
“But-” Selene interrupted her.
“All will be well.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
The sun was in the sky, but quickly fading as it had every day they had been on the Isle. Like most things, the sight of the fiery orb in the sky reminded Cerilla of Sebastian – and with the thought of him came the sobering reality that a hellstorm was approaching. A disaster that was set to arrive the moment Callahan found out that Sebastian was still alive.
The Denouement took place just outside the temple, on the holy dais before it. As Cerilla approached it she could feel the shift in the air – one that told her she stood on sacred ground. The priestesses were in attendance, donning their ceremonial cloaks and standing stoically on the temple stairs. Cerilla mused that they looked like statues, unmoving and unemotional as they stood there preparing to watch an unknown number of beings lose their lives. Though, much to the chagrin of Daeva, the bloodshed would be minimal given the unprecedented alliances between the clans.
Speak of the devil, there she stood, cloak up concealing her cold, angular face. In her hands was a glowing orb – an ancient relic of the Isle.
Cerilla’s hands slipped down her rough battle leathers as she tried to wipe away the moisture there. She was nervous. Not only was she afraid of Callahan’s impending reaction, but she was also dreading what may come after the Trial ended. Her stomach had become a swirling pit of anxiety the instant she arose that morning, and those feelings had only intensified as the day went on. She imagined her sister’s disappointment and the judgement from her father when she told them of her fated mate. Combining those long-standing fears with the words spoken by Selene the night prior had Cerilla’s anxiety spiraling to unheard of levels, and she could not even go to her mate for comfort.
Her sense of dread only grew when she saw Callahan swaggering his way toward her. Every bouncy, arrogant step closer he drew to her accelerated her fear. Hand sweating, heart racing, lungs being crushed by an invisible force – she wasn’t sure how much more she could take.
Callahan’s leathers were fitted tightly to his well-toned form, an image that would have once excited her only brought disgust in the aftermath of her mating and his destruction of her mate’s camp. In her eyes, he was a monster. Or at least half-monster, like whatever else lurked in the woods he controlled.
“Princess,” Callahan gave her a cheshire smile, showing nearly all his teeth, while he stuck his hand out to shake hers. He was desperate to touch her and knew her court etiquette would not be able to deny him a simple handshake in the presence of the priestesses.
Using her powers she pulled all moisture from her damp hand, giving him a single bone-dry pump of a handshake before stepping away from him and clasping her hands behind her back.
“Prince Callahan.” She nodded a greeting before turning her gaze to Daeva. His jaw clicked concerningly loud when he snapped his teeth together in disdain. He hated the coldness she was treating him with – especially after all the space and gifts he felt he had graciously bestowed upon her in the past several days.
“I suppose we will continue waiting for Prince Sebastian.” Daeva pondered aloud, irritation clear in her voice. A snort came from Callahan’s lips, causing Cerilla to snap her head toward him with a look of disgust on her face.
“He won’t be joining us.” He sniggered. “Nor will anyone from his clan. They are dead.”
Daeva gave Cerilla a knowing look, eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief, making it clear in that single instant that nearly everything that happened on the Isle was known to her. Daeva knew Sebastian was alive, and all Cerilla could do was pray that she wouldn’t say anything. Callahan was too pleased to notice the micro-expressions on Daeva or Cerilla’s faces, and for some reason Daeva decided not to correct his earlier statement.
“Very well, may the blood of all who perish on the Isle cleanse it to restore the Realm’s power.” Daeva recited. “I suppose you two shall be talking rather than fighting.” Her eyes rolled.
“We will.” With a single step forward, Callahan closed the space between himself and Cerilla. Blood pulsed behind Cerilla’s eyes, sending zaps of throbbing pain through her temples. She was immensely stressed, feeling it in nearly every physical manifestation possible. Whether it was caused by the tribulations she had faced on the Isle or the impending arrival of her mate, she was unsure – but either way she felt unwell. Bile climbed up into her throat as she watched Callahan reach out his hand and place it on her arm, her body involuntarily flinching under his touch.
His brows pulled together in confusion while his jaw tightened once again in anger. Nothing upset him more than losing and rejection – and Cerilla’s actions felt like both.
“Cerilla,” Callahan began. “Our fathers, regrettably, did not come to terms about what would happen should we find ourselves in this position.”
“I believe our fathers were discussing what might take place if we were to find our clans in a tie.” His jaw tightened one more. “Which we have not.” Cerilla swore she could hear his teeth grinding together. “My clan’s numbers far outweigh yours, therefore nothing needs to be discussed.” With an assessing gaze he tilted his head to the side, his lips pulling up in a smile she was sure he thought to be extremely charming.
“Come now, Angel.” Goose bumps scattered over her skin as putrid, hot bile crept up her throat once more. “Perhaps other terms could be reached.”
“Such as?” Cerilla scoffed. She always knew he was unreasonable, but suggesting he win the Trial when his clan had lost almost double what hers had was preposterous beyond measure.
Every move Callahan made was meant to be charming and alluring. He pursed his lips, flashed her a smile, and ran a finger up her arm – all while eyeing her seductively.
“What’s a few sacrificed clan members between lovers?” Cerilla swore she heard Daeva gag, which almost made Cerilla like her. Almost.
“I believe the deities would agree with parts of that sentiment.” Daeva added.
“What say you, Ceri?” His smile was shining nearly as bright as the sun – but not quite. Only Sebastian’s could do that.
“I say, you have a lot of gall to speak to me like this.” It was Cerilla’s turn to cock her head to the side in a condescending manner. “And you will call me Princess Cerilla, or you will not address me at all.” She stepped away from him, chest puffing with pride as hoots from her clan rang out around her. Callahan stood frozen to the ground, jaw hanging wide open as he processed Cerilla’s rebuff and degradation of him.
His hand wrapped around her shoulder, “Ceri,” Callahan cooed, voice soft and confused. “Why are you acting like this?”
Her glare was nearly as fiery as her mates. “I said, do not call me that.” Her words were like daggers.
Callahan opened his mouth to argue with her, but his words were interrupted by another.
“Unhand my mate.” Sebastian’s voice boomed. Callahan turned sheet white, eyes bouncing around them as he looked for the source of this voice. He even looked up, superstitiously wondering if the voice was coming from beyond the grave.
Hidden amongst the trees, members of Sebastian’s clan stepped out one at a time, revealing that not one of them had died in the attack on their camp. Last of all to reveal himself was Sebastian, dressed in black fighting leathers and dripping in flames. Cocooned within armor of his own making, Sebastian marched toward Cerilla and Callahan. His hair blew behind him in the wind, untouched by the flames that were licking up his arms.
Sebastian dropped a predatory gaze over Callahan, appraising him with feline observation and a hunter’s eye.
“Surprised, Earth Prince?” Sebastian’s smile was wicked, taunting even. Cerilla stood between two of the most powerful beings in the Realm, watching with bated breath as they sized one another up – waiting for what may happen next.
Callahan’s chest heaved with quick, labored breaths, eyes wild as he processed what might have happened to leave him so misinformed and ill-prepared for that moment – and either he figured it out, or he decided he didn’t care.
A battle cry ripped from his lungs. Callahan reared back, face to the sky and arms splayed out behind him. While Sebastian’s powers could be steadied with control, and Cerilla’s with peace, Callahan’s grew with unrestrained, raw emotion. Dense greenery sprouted from the ground and wrapped around him until he was wholly encased in vegetation – covered in the same thorns he had eviscerated the Sun clan’s camp with.
“Ceri!” Callahan called through his rage. “Help me finish him off! He deceived us all! Here he is alive after cowardly hiding out until the Trial was nearly over. Fecking deity-damned fool.” Callahan spat at Sebastian, the liquid evaporating into the air the instant it hit Sebastian’s flame. “This will be the beginning of a true alliance between us. Your fiancé is dead, and once Sebastian is gone we can finally be together! We can combine the two most powerful nations and control the Realm!”
“I don’t want that life, Callahan.” Cerilla’s voice was pinched, like she was trying to contain her emotions and soothe a wild beast. “Do not hurt him.”
“What?” Callahan sputter. Cerilla notched an arrow and pointed it at the only exposed flesh on his body – his face.
“I said, do not hurt him.” This was a command, not a request.
“Now this is rich.” He laughed maniacally. “Who would have thought you would ever defend him? You’ve hated one another since we were children. I heard the cry you gave when the goddess bonded you to that barbarian. Let it be over. I know you don’t want him, and once he is dead everything can go back to how it should have been. Use your logic to push through this curse the goddess put upon your mind. You will never work with him, and you know it.” The tears slipping down his face looked out of place as they dribbled over his deranged smile.
“No.” She drew her arrow back farther, ready to shoot.
A sick laugh echoed around them. “This won’t do.” Callahan’s voice was drawn, only one tone away from insanity. His body moved before them like that of a caged animal, his quick nervous steps echoing on the dais. “I can’t have you teaming up against me.” His eyes snapped to Cerilla once again. “And if I can’t have you, no one will.”
Putrid, oozing vines grew from those already around him, wrapping their way down his arms and around his hands until his palms contained a single thorn each. Seeping with venom, the grown weapons were ready to be used, and Callahan had them poised straight for Cerilla’s heart.
Jealousy was an irrational emotion, pushing people to points they never would have been at under sane conditions. And when combined with isolation on the Isle jealousy had driven Callahan’s mind to insanity. He was always entitled, maybe even a little unhinged, but never mad to the point of killing someone just because he couldn’t have them. But in that moment – he was.
Sebastian watched in slow motion as Callahan moved to strike Cerilla dead. One hundred days prior, Sebastian would have shaken the hand of any being who killed either of the royals he was up against in the Trial – but everything had changed since then. A strangled cry ripped from his throat, a sound so visceral that every being within earshot froze in fear. Sebastian moved without a second thought, the only voice in his head reiterating the sentiment that he would save Cerilla, even if it was the last thing he did.
